During a press conference Tuesday Quebec Premier Francois Legault said the COVID-19 situation is getting better, but the battle isn’t over, adding the government hasn’t ruled out the possibility of imposing new measures during March break to prevent gatherings and reduce the risk of spreading the virus.
“The measures are working,” Legault said, “but we have to be careful.”
Legault also stressed the importance of getting tested for COVID-19 at the first sign of symptoms. The average person waits around two days before getting tested, he said. There are no delays, the process is fast, Legault said, urging Quebecers not to hesitate.
Prime Minister of Canada Justin Trudeau also held a press conference Tuesday saying that as of Monday, Feb. 15, any Canadians coming back into the country at a land border crossing will be required to provide a negative PCR test, done within 72 hours of presenting at the border. The rule was already in place for travelers arriving in Canada by plane. Trudeau also said that the country is on track for vaccinations, reiterating that every Canadian who wants one will be vaccinated by September.
Quebec reported 826 new cases of COVID-19 Tuesday, bringing the total number of people infected to 271,737, of which 250,652 have now recovered. There were 32 new deaths reported in the province, for a total of 10,078.
The number of hospitalizations decreased by 29 compared to the previous day, for a cumulative total of 940. Among those, the number of people in intensive care decreased by 15, for a total of 145. 2,816 doses of vaccine were administered Tuesday, for a total of 262,594. To date, 294,825 doses have been received.
The Estrie region reported 37 new cases, bringing the local total to 10,930.
One new death was reported in the region, from the general population, bringing the total in the area 286.
For full story and others, subscribe now.
